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Bethesda mother company buys id Software

id Software, the game studio behind Doom, Quake, Wolfenstein, and the upcoming Rage, has just been acquired by ZeniMax, parent company of Elder Scrolls and Fallout 3 developer Bethesda Softworks.

Despite the acquisition, ZeniMax expects id Software to continue operating as before. “No changes will be made in the operations of id Software in the development of its games,” the press release states. “id Software will continue to operate as a studio under the direction of its founder, John Carmack … All the principals at id Software have signed long-term employment contracts, assuring they will continue in their roles developing games in the future.” In other words, don’t expect major folks at id to jump ship.

A large emphasis is being placed on how id will benefit from ZeniMax resources. “Our role will be to provide publisher support through Bethesda Softworks and give id Software the resources it needs to grow and expand,” said Robert Altman, founder and CEO of ZeniMax Media. “Our intention is to make sure id Software will continue to do what they do best – make AAA games.” Todd Hollenshead, CEO of id Software, also agrees that the acquisition will result in better financial security for the team: “We will now have financial and business resources to support the future growth of id Software, a huge advantage which will result in more and even better games for our fans.”

While it appears id has much to gain from the merger, we’re more intrigued by what Bethesda can gain. While Fallout 3 has earned heaps of critical praise, many will agree that graphics tech is far from Bethesda’s strong suit. With Carmack and idTech now owned by ZeniMax, future Bethesda titles are sure to benefit. See John Carmack’s statement after the break.

“This puts id Software in a wonderful position going forward,” said John Carmack, who will continue to serve in his current role as Technical Director. “We will now be able to grow and extend all of our franchises under one roof, leveraging our capabilities across multiple teams while enabling forward looking research to be done in the service of all of them. We will be bigger and stronger, as we recruit the best talent to help us build the landmark games of the future. As trite as it may be for me to say that I am extremely pleased and excited about this deal, I am.”